Wow!!!

Well here we are one week later, this was the most amazing place to be this week. I feel like this is the perfect blending of our US and European experience over the past 2 years. We spent our days in the wonderful company of Brits and Irish colleagues of Bob's..and had lots of laughs and some wonderful memories, by throat is horse, I danced when I should not have, Bob's head is a bit fuzzy, we had a great time....some highlights:

Opening Ceremonies- what can I say, if you saw it there are no words that can describe it..the only ones I can personally add - wicked hot and unbelievably humid, with nary a breeze. I sat there in a loose cotton dress and sweat was pouring off...to see the 15,000 performers, many in elaborate costumes, not sure how they survived the heat...it was a spectacular moment in history, so so honored to be part of it..can't wait to see it again on tv to see what I missed.

To see TEAM USA enter the stadium, to hear the roar of the Chinese people when Team China entered..goose bumps thinking about it...and the cool footprints from Tienanmen Square to the Birds nest..neat....

Then it was time to leave, I was so nervous due to the size of the crowd, all 91,000 of us emptying out at the same time, but like everything, NBC made it simple, they had about 50 "perky's" (20 somethings on an NBC internship) leading a human path with signs for us back to the buses about 20 minutes away...easy breezy..why do I worry so much.

Men's Gymnastics prelims the first night...very fun to watch - Bob not a huge fan. I enjoyed it.

Boxing - saw a Brit knock someone out of the ring and the Andrade Demetrius (US) did well...something different..

Basketball - The Redeem team vs China...great first half, second half seemed a bit relentless...proud though, and everyone loved it, even the Chinese. Great energy and good show.

Swimming - must have been the highlight...saw the US mens relay team squeeze out France by a hair - everyone was on their feet screaming - still a bit horse. President Bush spotted my USA tee shirt across from him and waved over at us - twice...the first time Bob didn't believe he was waving at me...second time he did...watching the medal ceremonies and being in that pool area for that...when the US flag goes up and they play the Star Spangled Banner...goose bumps...we will never forget. Second best highlight after opening ceremony drum countdown, without a doubt.
Beach Volleyball last night...very high up seats in a great arena, saw an amazing game between Brazil and Russia- try to catch it if possible...US did well in its game, easily beating Germany to advance. Fun to watch, they add dancing girls/cheerleaders to come and jazz everyone up, nice bottoms and lots of hair..wonder what the athletes think, Michael Phelps doesn't have any dancing girls....but a fun event with lots of music and entertainment. Koby Bryant was there for a bit cheering on the US girls.

The Chinese people wanted to welcome the world to Beijing, but did not want to be seen as selling everything to its guests. It was actually a challenge to find things to buy to bring home...t shirts were a 20 minute walk many times, drinks and food were not thrust upon us US style at the venues. We took a cab to a remote place that sold Team USA stuff - it was our most authentic view of Chinese life up close. Pretty cool to see the many citizens moving about as usual. At the Olympic events, it was such an international mix, it was not just a Chinese experience. Beijing was a wonderful and hospitable host to us. They built some amazing arenas and laid out a wonderful host city. London has a lot to do to get ready to match this. I can't imagine it will be the same, but done in wonderful British fashion!

GE/NBC were fantastic hosts, amazing food for every meal, lots of great activities during the day and tickets to the best competitions...so grateful to be included.

I know Bob sent lots of photos, and once we get home I will add some here.

Off for our 24 hour adventure home...see you soon!!

Lots of Love,
Bob and Amy